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Letters Patent No. 82,008, dated September 8, 1868.-

IMrRovED vAnninaL-T-RAP.

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TO WHOM IT MAY CONGERN:

4Be it known that I, THOMAS B. KIRBY, of Flowercld, in the county of St. Joseph, and State of Michigan,

l have invented a new and usefulA Improvement in a Self-Adjusting Animal-Trap; and do declare that the follow-4 ing is a true and accurate description thereof', reference being had tothe laccompanying drawing, and tothe lettersffof reference marked thereon, and being a part ofthis specification.

This invention consists in the construction of a trap for rats and other small animals, that will be selfadjusting, to be set over any proper receptacle for water, and provided with suitable bait-box and self-acting valve, so that when the rat, attracted by the smell of the bait, steps on the valve, his weight causes it to precipitate" him into the Water beneath, while the valve resumes its original position, ready for another customer.

In orderto accomplish this end, I construct a rectangular frame, A, set upon a proper bed-platc, B, which should belarge enough to cover the top of a commonwater-pal. A partition, C, extendsacross this rectangular frame, A, and. the space 4in the end of the frame so partitioned o is provided with a cover, D. Another partition, E, made of wire cloth, perforated tin, orlany other similar material, extends across the other end `of the frame A, and the space so partitioned oi is alsoprovided with a hinged cover, F. By partitioning olf the two ends of the frame as above described, an opening, G, is left in the centre, which should be placed directly over an opening of corresponding size`in the bcd-plate. This opening should be provided with a proper selfoperating valve, H, pivoted to the frame at I, and so arranged that its outer end should be alittle the heaviest, and Work in that part of' the frame partitioned off by the partition C.

To operate this trap, place it over any proper receptacle, arranged so that the rat can get on to it. l In the part of the frame partitioned off by the wire partition E, place" any suitable bait that, by its scent, will attract the animal, who in endeavoring to get at it will jump into the opening G, upon the valve H, when his weight will instantly open and precipitate him into the receptacle below, and the valve will as instantly close.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of my apparatus.

Figure 2 is a sectional view on the line X X, fig. 1,

The same letters indicate likeparts in each figure.

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secnreby Letters Patent, is v The combination and arrangement inthe rectangular frame A, divided by the partitions C and E, of the valve H, with the perforated bait-box K, having a hinged cover, F, substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth.

THOMAS B. KIRBY.

Witnesses:

SAMUEL H. Herwonrn, J; G. Buss. 

